Blissful Summer Days

Summer

Summer looked for long am I:
Much shall change or e'er I die.
Prithee take it not amiss
Though I weary thee with bliss.

~William Morris~

This is a warning that the next few posts will be extremely photo-heavy!! (Surprise, surprise!) Would you believe me if I told you that I only post a fourth to a third of the photos I actually take? Yes, it's true. When I have a camera in my hand, I can get a little (ahem) "out of hand." I take my role as family historian pretty seriously. So be prepared to witness, as William Morris' poem declares, just how "weary with bliss" we've been in these last few days of early summer.

A New Discovery

The Bay Area Discovery Museum at Fort Baker in Sausalito is a fun, interactive museum designed especially for children. We decided to take Andre here instead of returning to Discovery Kingdom, thinking the air quality might be a little better near the coast. It didn't seem to be. Though to be honest, it was hard to differentiate between the fog and the haze. Despite all that, however, Andre had such a good time. He loved getting his hands into and onto everything!

the guys

making a friend

"Let's go here, Papa!"

leapfrogging from lilypad to lilypad

shape-sorting

floundering with fishes

making music

scavenging a shipwreck

"Ahoy there, matey!"

view of the Golden Gate

passing through

running

climbing

Picnic in the Park

Last night our friends, the Perez family, invited us to Davis' Picnic in the Park. I must admit, I'd never heard of it before, but what a perfect way to spend a summer evening! This event happens each Wednesday from 4:30 to 8:00 pm, March through September. There was a farmers' market, an international food fair, and live music. There's much to entertain the children as well--a carousel, bouncers, face-painting and splashing in the fountain, just to name a few. Andre and Miranda had so much fun, and all they needed was a swath of green grass! What made it extra nice was how it was so low-key for the adults. We were able to relax and lounge on a picnic blanket while the kids frolicked about.

Central Park

Daddies--of course, the kids fell asleep in the car!

farmers' market

seasonal cherries

Mel

quiche & salad for dinner

watching kids splash and play

getting ready to bounce

racing

rolling

batting

horsey-ing

pooped!

Splish Splash

This is a clip from Charis' first birthday party.

Healdsburg

Some of you may already be aware that Billy was laid-off two weeks ago. He had been with his original employer, World Savings, from the day he returned from our honeymoon! Last year, World Savings was bought out by Wachovia and a series of lay-offs began to take place. Billy's division was one of the latest to follow suit. Although it's been a strange adjustment--Billy's a workhorse and it pains him to be at home--he has graciously conceded that God has allowed this season in his life. I, for one, could hardly contain my excitement! The thought of having him at home for a month or two (I asked him to wait at least that long before he seriously started looking for employment) was a dream come true! For over nine years, Billy has clocked out and clocked back in with his family for over 12 hours a day. To say that we enjoy spending all this quality time with him is an understatement, especially as I know that it is a temporary situation. Needless to say, it's felt like we've been on an extended vacation, taking day trips and doing things we normally would not even think of doing were he at work. These pictures are from a day visit to the quaint small town of Healdsburg. It reminded me a lot of Sonoma Town Square but a bit more chi-chi. It was a pleasant, leisurely visit but oh-so hot!

fountain in the town square

moving WWII monument
below the statue were the names of those Healdsburg residents who went off to fight

Powell's Sweet Shoppe
I first learned of this delightful old-fashioned candy shop from Mrs. Jules

Ferrari-Carano Winery

one of my favorite flowers, hydrangeas

entrance to winery

walkway to winery

beautiful grounds

vineyard view

manicured garden

staying cool on the tiles

Koi pond

garden walk

Life:Beautiful

I'm quite thrilled--today I discovered via a dear friend's congratulatory email that I was one of three ladies who won a drawing from this blog. I've mentioned Brin's blog once before. She is truly a gifted writer and is equal parts encouraging/entertaining/inspiring. Her story is one that many of us can relate to--a Christian woman who is far from perfect, flawed in fact, but ever striving to grow in godliness. I highly recommend her blog for a good read!

By the way, I forgot to mention what I won. . . a subscription to Life:Beautiful magazine.

Advocate of Corporal Punishment

One evening while my mom was watching Andre for us, he witnessed the toilet paper holder fall off in my mom's bathroom. As my mom relayed the story to me afterwards, Andre then proceeded to reprimand her saying, "Uh-oh, you broke it! Mama's gonna get mad! Gonna tell Mama. Gonna get palo stick!"

Thirty Somethings

Last night we had the privilege of celebrating a dear friend's birthday. I can't tell you what a unique joy it is have friends who have celebrated your birthdays with you, and you with them, since the age of fifteen. Sonia is one of them. Of course, after marriage and kids, life gets busy and sometimes a thoughtful card and gift is often the only way to celebrate, but this particular evening, the stars were aligned (just a saying!) and a number of us were able to gather for a good time of fun and fellowship.

Happy Thirty-something!

Of course, no evening out is complete without dessert.

making chismis

Our happy halves